A Systematic Review of Interventions for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder to Promote Employment

• Published in: Review journal of autism and developmental disorders Vol. 4; no. 1; pp. 26 - 38
• Main Authors: Anderson, Angelika, Moore, Dennis W., Rausa, Vanessa C., Finkelstein, Simon, Pearl, Shaun, Stevenson, Mitchell
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer US 01.03.2017; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Adult education; Applied Behavior Analysis; Autism; Autism Spectrum Disorders; Behavior Patterns; Behavioral Science and Psychology; Child and School Psychology; Comparative Analysis; Developmental Psychology; Educational Strategies; Employment; Intervention; Neurosciences; Psychiatry; Psychology; Rehabilitation; Review Paper; Social Work; Vocational education; Autism spectrum disorders; Self-management; Adult; Vocational interventions; Video-based instruction; Behavior Skills Training
• ISSN: 2195-7177; 2195-7185
• DOI: 10.1007/s40489-016-0094-9

Adults with autism spectrum disorder are underrepresented in the workforce. This review examined single case design research investigating vocational interventions for this population. Reporting of generalization and social validity data was also assessed. Eighteen studies met inclusion criteria. They were categorized as Behavioral Skills Training, video-based instruction, or self-management procedures. Only Behavioral Skills Training meets replication standards to be considered effective and evidence-based for this population. Video-based instruction and self-management procedures are emerging with few studies completed and variable effects. Social validity was underreported and limited in focus. Future research should include considering error correction procedures and feedback in video-based instruction, trialing self-management procedures, and greater attention to social validity.